Improvement in coverings for steps of buildings



A. A. TREMESCHIN. Improvement in Coverings for Steps of Buildings.

Patented May 7,1872.

ly u WW A i i UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

ANGELO ANTONIO TREMESOHIN, OF NEW YORK, N. Y.

IMPROVEMENT IN COVERINGS FOR STEPS OF BUILDINGS.

Specification forming part of Letters Patent No. 126,428, dated May 7,1872.

Specification describing a certain Improvement relating to Coverings for Steps of Buildings, invented by ANGELO ANToNIo TREMEs- CHIN, of New York city, in the State of New York.

My invention is more especially designed for the stoops or steps of dwellings of the better class, but may be useful for steps and out-of-door stairs in any situation. It is especially important in icy weather. My invention is intended to provide convenient means for covering of steps readily detachable and capable of being stowed away in a small space. It is stiffened and jointed to adapt it to the steps to which it is to be applied. The material which forms the upper surface of my covering on the several steps is adapted to afford a reliable footing in all weathers and under all conditions.

The following is a description of what I consider the best means of carrying out the invention. The accompanying drawing forms a part of this specification.

Figure 1 is a section of the steps with an elevation or edge view of the covering and its fastenings, and Fig. 2 is a front view of the same parts. Fig. 3 is a plan View of one of the pieces or links of the series detached.

Similar letters of reference indicate like parts in all the figures.

A A are the steps. The lower step is provided with eyes a, adapted to secure the lower extremity of my covering, while the riser at the upper extremity of the steps is adapted to receive and retain screw-bolts, or analogous locking-means to confine the upper extremity.

B B are plates of vulcanized rubber, strengthened with cloth in their interior, and having their upper surfaces thickly studded with conical points. The points on the upper surface are marked B. In case of bad weather the water flows freely away from the spaces between the points. The points being of vulcanized rubber form a reliable and slightly elastic surface, on which the feet may tread with absolute safety against slipping. The

ends of the plates B B are thinner and are not thus studded. They are embraced between straps of metal 0 0, held together with screws D D, which pass through the rubber, and by thus passing through and by the pressure of the pinching action of the straps O 0, hold the plates B very firmly. The front end of each plate O is bent around to match closely to the front edge or nosing of the step; and the upper surface is preferably nickel-plated, or otherwise richly finished. The several pieces G are connected by corresponding straps E, having each a height properly proportioned to allow the entire cover to fit closely and properly to the steps A. The vertical straps or risers E are hinged to the parts 0 above and below by hinges e, and each pair is connected by a rigid horizontal piece, E. The hinges e are strongly made, and are knuckled together in a manner analogous to a rule-joint, so that they open freely to a certain extent, and the further turning of the parts is then positively arrested. They will open sufficiently to allow the covering to match properly on the steps A, and cannot be extended further. They will bend properly to allow the entire stoop-covering to be folded in a small compass for stowage or transportation. The parts O E may preferably be made of iron or semi-steel plated with richer metal, and they may be made of any materialhavin g the proper qualities. Hard Wood may serve for the cheaper styles.

I claim as my invention The within-described stoop-covering, having rough surface plates 13 secured to a jointed frame, 0 E, and adapted to be folded and extended upon stoops or steps and to serve thereon, as and for the purpose herein specified.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand this 23d day of March, 1872, in the presence of two subscribing witnesses.

ANGELO ANTONIO TREMESOHIN.

Witnesses WM. 0. Der, ARNOLD HoRMANN. 

